IELTS Letter Writing Topics

Janet

3 min read

Updated On Aug 01, 2024

The article covers the IELTS General Writing Task 1, detailing formal, semi-formal, and informal letters, providing examples like letters of apology, request, and invitation, and emphasizing the importance of practicing various letter types.

IELTS Letter Writing Topics
List of topics that can be asked in IELTS General Writing Task 1
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IELTS Writing Prediction Questions for 2024

The IELTS General Training exam is divided into two parts – Task 1 and Task 2. IELTS Writing Task 1 for this exam type is always letter writing and you are asked to write at least 150 words. In order to complete the task, it is advisable to spend 20 minutes, as it is responsible for 30% of the total general training exam.

You will be assessed on your ability to communicate about common practical matters in IELTS General Writing Task 1. The prompt requires you to write a letter to someone, a company, or an institution to answer the question. The letter can be any of the following types, as mentioned below:

Formal – written to someone whom you don’t know personally.
Semi-formal – written to someone whom you know formally.
Informal - written to someone whom you only know personally.

IELTS Letter Writing Topics

Now, check out IELTS General Writing Task 1 Sample Formal Letters, IELTS General Writing Task 1 Sample Informal Letters as well as Sample Semi Formal Letters given below and be IELTS-ready.

Letter of Amendment

Recently you saw an article in a newspaper/journal about a city/town you know and some of the information in the article was incorrect. Write a letter to the editor regarding this.

In your letter, you should tell:

how you know about this city/town
what information was incorrect
what the editor should do about this.

Letter of Apology

You recently stayed at your friend’s place, to look after the house while he/she is away. You accidentally damaged something in his/her house. Write a letter to your friend.

In your letter, you should:

describe what the accident was
explain when it happened
suggest how the damage can be fixed.

Letter of Request

You are planning a week-long vacation and you need someone to take care of your house while you are away. Write a letter to your neighbor and tell them that you are going away.

In your letter, you should:

ask them to take care of your house
explain why you will be away.

Letter of Invitation

You are planning for a vacation and want your friend to go with you. Write a letter to your friend.

In your letter, you should:

tell him/her why you want to take a vacation
describe your plan
invite him/her to go with you.

Letter of Appreciation

A colleague gave you a book which you used for your presentation. Write a letter to your colleague.

In your letter, you should say:

what the presentation was about,
why the presentation was important
how the book helped you.

Letter of Suggestion

Write a letter to your local council that the street you are living in has become dirty lately.

In your letter, you should tell:

why it is happening
what problems it will cause
what your suggestions are.

Letter of Recommendation

Write a letter to the director of your company to recommend a group in your local community which deserves help.

In your letter, you should tell:

why you suggest helping this group
how your company can help this group
what the beneﬁts your company will in return for.

Letter of Complaint

You have a complaint about the hotel you stayed at while attending a seminar in a foreign country.

Write a letter to the seminar organiser and say

What problem did you face there?
Why do you want to complain about it?
What is your suggestion for improvement in the future?

Letter of Recommendation

Write a letter to the manager of a company which is based in a foreign country to recommend your family member for a suitable job.

In your letter,

Introduce yourself and say what you are doing
Describe the role your family member is interested in
Explain why he or she is suitable for the job

List of topics that can be asked in IELTS General Writing Task 1

Given below are some more topics for IELTS General Writing Task 1 Sample Semi Formal Letters, formal and informal letters. You can use more IELTS General Writing Task 1 practice tests for regular practice. They can help you prepare and tackle the questions with ease.